‘Push’ Director Now Helming ‘Frankenstein’ Retelling for Fox

Shawn Levy, director of Date Night and Real Steel, is officially off of Twentieth Century Fox and Davis Entertainment’s Frankensteinretelling. Now set to helm the project is Paul McGuigan, know for his directorial contributions on such films as Push and Lucky Number Slevin.

Levy reportedly wanted to make a big blockbuster rendition of everyone’s favorite monster tale, while Fox wanted to be a little more mindful of budget. After formally being confirmed as off the project, Levy is now working on The Internship, starring Will Ferrell, Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, which is set to release in 2013.

Max Landis, known for his screenwriting on Fox’s Chronicle, wrote the screenplay for Frankenstein. Fox and Davis’ version is said to be a sci-fi take on Mary Shelley’s classic 19th century novel, highlighting Landis’ themes of redemption and the strength of friendship as its backbone. Keeping with the recent tradition of countless adaptations based off one original story, Ghost House Pictures and RT Features are said to also be tackling their own versions of Frankenstein. Details on each endeavor have not yet been confirmed.

Working within the confines of a small budget appears to be an easy feat for the trio of Landis, Davis and Fox. The group only had $15 million to bring Chronicle to fruition, which released earlier this year and went on to gross $100 million worldwide. It came as no surprise that a Chronicle sequel would thereafter be given the green light. It is not confirmed yet if Josh Trank, director of Chronicle or Max Landis will take part in the sequel, but given the success of the first, it’s not hard to imagine.

Monsters, vampires, zombies, werewolves and many other unworldly creatures have been brought to life in film for decades. The original concept of Frankenstein, as told in Mary Shelley’s novel, follows the misadventure of mad-scientist Victor Frankenstein. The Dr. Frankenstein creates an artificial man which doesn’t quite satisfy his vision, and therefore rejects it, only to learn later that the monster escapes and embarks on a ploy of revenge. This story has been explored through tones both serious and comedic, and it will be interesting to see what kind of world that McGuigan will create.

We’ll keep you updated on the status of Fox’s Frankenstein film as more news comes in.